It irritates me when people justify their name choice with, 'It's a family name' or 'It has special meaning to us'. As in, 'We want to call her RoderickBelle; I know it's an unusual choice for a girl, but it's a family name'. Or, 'We have chosen Brooklyn for our first boy; I know it'll get pushback, but it has special meaning for us as his dad was working in Brooklyn when we met'. :/

They're probably bad examples, but it seems as if special meaning/family name is used as a 'free pass' on nameberry to use some really questionable names!

Hey all - first time poster here!
Really interesting discussion! The excuse to not use a name that I don't understand is "They will be called [first name] [last initial]" I guess those who feel this way are really saying the name is too popular. I was often a "Katie S." growing up. I never thought twice about it.

While names are important, I think we all know that ultimately its personality/intelligence that makes someone unique, smart or interesting, not their name.

The only one that really, really irks me is "He/She will hate you"
It's such an immature scare tactic. It's like you're wishing discord upon a person simply because you disagree with their choice in names. It's almost always posted in regards to a boy name deemed "girly"

Originally Posted by jeska

I actually have a pet hate that's kind of from the other perspective.

It irritates me when people justify their name choice with, 'It's a family name' or 'It has special meaning to us'. As in, 'We want to call her RoderickBelle; I know it's an unusual choice for a girl, but it's a family name'. Or, 'We have chosen Brooklyn for our first boy; I know it'll get pushback, but it has special meaning for us as his dad was working in Brooklyn when we met'. :/

They're probably bad examples, but it seems as if special meaning/family name is used as a 'free pass' on nameberry to use some really questionable names!

I've noticed this too and my eyes roll every time. Usually it's an excuse to use a uber masculine name for a girl.

Hate to break it to you m'dear, but where I live, usually kids with strange and unusual names get picked on (more in the lower grades)! O_o

Strange! Where I live, everyone is welcomed with strange and unusual names. I have an unusual name myself, and it's always been a conversation-starter more than anything else! I have never been picked on for my name.